Prehearing Conference, Parties, and Public Notice

(a)In order to assist the parties in scheduling the public hearing, determining the scheduling of the evidentiary hearing, developing the list of persons to receive notice of these hearings, and addressing other pertinent issues, the Commission will hold a prehearing conference.#

(b)The Commission shall conduct a prehearing conference within 15 days after the application is deemed complete by the Commission.#

(c)The Commission shall join as an indispensable party the local government which took the contested local government action.#

(d)Ten days before the commencement of the prehearing conference, the local government shall submit to the parties and the Commission its preference for the location of the public hearing to be held in accordance with § 29-20-108(5)(b), C.R.S., and rule 4704.#

(e)The Commission will decide the date and time of the public hearing after receiving comments from the parties at the prehearing conference.#

(f)By the date of the prehearing conference, each party shall provide to the utility a list of individuals and groups to receive notice of the public hearing.#

(g)The utility or power authority shall give notice of the public hearing to the identified individuals and groups in a manner specified by the Commission. Notice may be accomplished by newspaper publication, bill insert, first class mail, or any other manner deemed appropriate by the Commission.#

(h)If the local government is unable to provide meeting space for the public hearing, and space needs to be acquired, then the utility or power authority shall bear any cost associated with the rental of such space for the public hearing.#

(i)The parties are encouraged to confer prior to the prehearing conference to develop a schedule for the filing of testimony and the dates for the formal evidentiary hearing.#